Pope Francis returned to the Vatican just before midday, July 14, after spending nine days in the Gemelli hospital recovering from an intestinal operation on July 4.

A smiling and standing pope patted the children on their heads as their parents held them, according to photos of the encounter released by the Vatican.

Pope Francis “is continuing his planned treatment and rehabilitation, which will allow him to return to the Vatican as soon as possible.”

Pope Francis continues to make progress after his operation but will remain in hospital for to “optimize in the best way possible the medical and rehabilitation therapy.”

The pope looked well and spoke strongly one week after surgery, reports Gerard O’Connell. In addition to thanking people for their prayers, he called for universal health care and condemned violence in Haiti.

Pope Francis continues to make progress in his post-surgery recovery and celebrated Mass in a private chapel on Friday. America’s Vatican correspondent, Gerard O'Connell, reports.